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This 1998 album compiles unreleased sessions from the late 70s featuring Weldon Irvine, Don Blackman and a young Marcus Miller. Known for his rare groove classics like Spirit Man in 1975 and Sinbad in 1976, Irvin's work shines here and highlights come thick and fast. They include the soulful 'Morning Sunrise' which was famously sampled by Jay-Z and Drake, the jazzy funk of 'The Sisters' with Miller's bass and Tom Brown's trumpet and the smooth 'Heard It All Before' which mixes urban sophistication with mellow fusion. Toni Smith's dynamic vocals on the funky 'Think I'll Stay A While' is another doozy which makes this masterpiece rich with jazz, soul and funk goodness.

Have you ever wondered what might happen when you collide Mighty Ryeders' timeless rare-groove classic 'Evil Vibrations' and De La Soul's iconic hip-hop jam 'A Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays'' into one new tune? Well, wonder now more, because that's exactly what Groove-Diggers have done here. This fresh version blends the sampled parts of 'Evil Vibrations' with De La Soul's raps and vocals while Japanese hip-hop group FNCY have added their own new mic work into the mix as a way of paying tribute to De La Soul's original hit. Also included is a Japanese cover of 'Evil Vibrations' by Taiwanese jazz and neo-soul singer 9m88 which brings a whole different respective. A fun and sure-to-be effective package.

Magic Thread is Susumu Yokota’s deeply soothing and delicate debut release on the Skintone label. With a spartan palette of sounds and textures, Yokota taps into a fundamentally human need to fuse and connect disparate fibres, magically forming work which glistens and pulsates with life.

Magic Thread originally came out in 1998 as a limited-edition CD release of 500 copies. Initially intended for the Japanese market, it came without any artwork in a standard transparent CD case adorned only by a sticker containing essential album information and a quote:

‘Somewhere in the process of evolution, the spinning and weaving of thread became possible for humankind. How did this come to pass? It can only be that the thread is possessed of magical properties.’ – Yokota, 1998.

Veteran Japanese electronic music producer, AKIO NAGASE, a leading player in the Kansai underground music scene since the late 1990s teams up with Yukino Inamine, a gifted and young female singer from Okinawa who magically mixes traditional Ryukyu (Okinawa) folk songs with her sanshin (Okinawan Shamisen) playing into the modern age, to create this wonderful collaborative album, Yugafu ai KAJI. This album is set to be released on GLOCAL RECORDS, a record store/ record label run by Genta Minowa, an ex-staff at the record store, Disc Shop Zero in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo and who still continues to introduce a great selection of dubby, club music from his HQ in Harajuku.

AKIO NAGASE regularly organised parties at his own venue, as well as ran a record store of the same name while actively being part of the Kansai scene at legendary clubs such as Tsuru no Ma, Sound Channel, etc., the best of what was offered in the Kansai underground dance scene in the 2000s.

As an artist, he released his own productions out of labels such as Sound Channel and RUDIMENTS run by Minowa. His album, Make Dub was released in 2003 out of the label, Sound Channel featured an innovative, techno meets dancehall track, Dance Hall King which connected techno, acid house with reggae and dub. This album is an undiscovered gem whose sound still emulates freshness and originality today (my wish is for it to be reissued on vinyl!) After a brief hiatus of releasing music, he released the EP, Delusion out of Chillmountain Records, a label run by his friend, Ground in 2018 and at his own leisurely pace, he has been slowly but surely releasing material that oozes originality, expressed through a robust acid sound and a variety of elements such as afro and Ryukyu folk music that is then incorporated into the medium of dub. Recently, he has also started to gain international attention by releasing original material and remixes out of labels such as the UK label, Emotional Especial, etc.

For this album, NAGASE teams up with Yukino Inamine who brings her own distinctive singing and sanshin playing magic into this collaboration and they fuse electronic music sounds with Ryukyu folk songs to create this wonderfully imaginative album that has no precedence or equal. Apart from the song, Ishikawa Koiuta, all other songs are covers of Ryukyu folk standards that were handpicked by NAGASE from the repertoire of songs that Inamine regularly performs live. They met up when NAGASE was commissioned to remix one of her original compositions, Miyagi Kaigan that was released in 2023 and that evolved into a collaboration with a concept that mixed Inamine singing Ryukyu folk standards with a backing tracks produced by NAGASE. Whenever she went to the the Kansai area, she would work on the basic track material created by NAGASE at the dub master of Osaka, Soulfire’s studio, HAV who would then additionally edit her takes to create the finishing tracks.

This album, Yugafu ai KAJI opens with Shirahamabushi, a track that slowly builds with an interesting mix of slow acid techno and sanshin and then moves onto the easy-going electro dub of Tinsagu nu hana (it is actually a cover of the track of the same title that first appeared in the label sampler, Comuni ó n Especial that was released on Emotional Especial. NAGASE initially wanted to feature Inamine on vocals for this track but due to scheduling issues, it did not happen but with good fortune, the new version of this track is now included in this album). A side closes with the optimistic Balearic sounds of Tsuki nu Kaisha that converges immaculately with slow-mo steppers. It is also worth noting that the person who introduced NAGASE to Inamine was the Okinawa dub master, HARIKUYAMAKU. They met at a concert held by both him & Yukino Inamine hosted by BUN BUN THE MC at the venue, RAGGA CHANNEL. From this encounter, this album came into fruition and they also asked HARIKUYAMAKU to produce an earthy, traditional rootsy, dub version of Tsuki nu Kaisha that is included as the 3rd track on the B Side.

Ashimizubushi, the track that magically blends old school Chicago house ala TRAX with Ryukyu folk music starts off the B side and it carries on to an uplifting track with a Skaouse (ska + house) feel, Hounen Ondo. Inserted after HARIKUYAMAKU’s dub of Tsuki nu Kaisha, this album closes out with the song, ‘Ishikawa Koi Uta’, the only song written by Inamine who said that she wrote it after falling in love with chill-out music. It is an ambient dub track with a collage like flavour, reminiscent of early The Orb (remixed by Mad Professor) and the latter half of the track finishes off with a message presented by Masao Itokazu (her uncle) who received tutelage from the prior owner of her sanshin that Inamine plays, Moritomo Inamine (her grandfather).

Incidentally, the album title, YUGAFU ai Kaji is derived from an auspicious word from Okinawa, Yugafu which means fruitful year, happiness, prosperity and ai (indigo) is a word that Yukino found inspiration few years ago (she wears a Okinawan indigo clothing called kinonuno in the front cover of this album).

The unique indigo colouring produced by nature overlaps with the unique charm of the human personality, and she wanted to present that current along with the music so the name was integrated to ‘indigo wind’, and the two were connected to form the album title, ‘YUGAFU ai Kaji’.

The photo of the front cover was taken by a young, Uchinaanunishie—- (meaning a boy from Okinawa) 17 year old photographer named Ratio and the designer of this album is Anmonaito who is a childhood friend of Inamine who also did the artwork for her album, Miyagi Kaigan. And the mastering and cutting of this album was done by Rei Taguchi.

The cosmology existing in Yukino Inamine’s singing is fully amplified by AKIO NAGASE’s spacey, abundant with many ideas, dance machine beat~ambient music and all of these elements are organically linked by the adhesive effect of dub.

Journeys are never just about distance. They stretch time, reshape perception, and demand transformation. With its latest vinyl split EP, Standard Deviation presents four tracks by Nastya Vogan and Phase Fatale that serves as a vessel for tracing displacement, memory, and the liminality of return. These melancholic yet powerful techno cuts serve both the concrete dance floor and moments of intimate self-reflection. Two artists--Nastya Vogan and Phase Fatale--approach Kyiv from different trajectories, but they both keep returning to the city. Vogan, a Ukrainian musician and resident DJ of Kyiv, and Phase Fatale (Hayden Payne), Berlin-based producer, Berghain and Khidi resident and founder of BITE Records, share a longstanding musical friendship. They've played B2B sets at K41 and Vogan, appeared on BITE's ''Shedding Skin'' compilation in 2023, and they share a vision for music selection, from aesthetics to philosophy. Vogan's 'Transitioning Territory' and 'This Is Not a Love Song' unravel the psycho-geography of transition. The first track captures the 24-hour journey to Kyiv as a rite of passage where 'time seems to fold; you are profoundly present yet paradoxically far from the world you left.' In this suspended state, memories surface and ordinary life recedes as the train's rhythm becomes its own meditation. Her second track explores Lacanian limerence--consciously falling for something not fully known, filling absences with personal projections as a way to discover what lies within oneself. Phase Fatale's contributions capture movement and distance with mechanical precision. 'Kekkai,' takes its name from the Japanese word for boundary, echoing 'respect my borders' ethos while reflecting on crossing into wartime Ukraine. The term also suggests a protective force field in Buddhist thought--much like Kyiv's current aura of resistance. 'Neosyazhna Rosa' (Unreachable Rose) honors Payne's Ukrainian grandmother Rose, weaving family history into his present connection with Ukraine. Both pieces balance melancholy with light, their sound palette of lush pads and rhythmic breaks crafted with K41's dance floor in mind.

Second of two new bass-infected dub EP's with a hint of techno by the Japanese Mystica Tribe. Titletrack ''Stars Are Mine'' and ''His Temple'' immediately set off to deep dub and bass territories in these two typical Mystica Tribe excursions: grooving, but dark with lots of effects and tribal influences. ''Prayer'' evolves around a catchy melodica that won't leave your head for days or maybe even weeks and ''Zen Stone'' tops it off perfectly with this gloomy scifi dubtrip.

This album, “Crystallization,” was released in 1978 as the second release on Vanity Records, a leading indie label in Osaka during the post-punk era.
The epic musical odyssey envisioned by the then 19-year-old musical prodigy known as SAB was 'crystallized' on magnetic tape using electronic music equipment.
It is a masterpiece of pre-New Age music that emerged before the term “New Age” became popular in Japan.
Although he was supported by two musicians on the recording, the majority of the work is so-called “home recording” based, produced by SAB himself with multiple recordings.
In the midst of the new age revival that has emerged in recent years and the rediscovery of Japanese environmental music, the music has taken on an even more brilliant musical value over time.
This definitive edition features AD conversion/the latest high-res mastering from the original masters, plus correct song titles that clear up long-standing misconceptions!

Following their mesmerizing debut Tradition, CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN return with Correspondances—a 7-inch release that drifts effortlessly between organic textures and delicate electronic landscapes. Expanding on their signature blend of dreamy synth work and nylon-stringed warmth, the trio refines their approach with a more mature, immersive sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The A-side, “Adan no Umibe” (Adan’s Seashore), opens with a soft, relaxed vocal delivery reminiscent of Haruomi Hosono’s solo work, floating over a gentle groove of nylon guitars and spacious synths. It captures the essence of a quiet shore, where melodies ebb and flow like waves against the sand, infused with the scent of Okinawa.

The title track, “Correspondances,” embraces an airy, ambient minimalism. Whispered vocals glide over sparse beats, floating basslines, and interwoven birdsong—blurring the lines between nature and sound.

Closing the record, “Koe o Kikasete” (Hear Me Your Voice) introduces a subtle rhythmic pulse, with its soft vocal refrain weaving through a beautiful chord progression, layered with nylon guitar and delicate electronic textures. The birdsong theme resurfaces here, echoing the lyrics and enhancing the immersive, weightless atmosphere.

While rooted in the warmth of vintage Japanese pop experimentalism, Correspondances carries CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN’s sound into new, refined territory.

This is a record of quiet yet deeply expressive beauty—an invitation to pause, listen, and drift.

Available on LP for the first time outside of Japan, experimental rock pioneers BORIS & noise mastermind MERZBOW present Klatter, the third collaboration between the two groups, and 04092001, a collaborative album featuring live renditions of the original Heavy Rocks LP!

Facta returns to Wisdom Teeth with ‘GULP’: a zippy, hi-def mini-album full of scrambled vocals, blown-out basslines, dripping synths and spring-loaded grooves that together map out his playfully psychedelic corner of contemporary club music. Written in a quick creative burst in late 2024, the record brings together a range of the producer’s distinct creative strands into a sharp, cohesive whole. Sitting snugly within the stylistic niche carved out by his A&Ring and DJ sets (alongside label co-founder K-LONE), we hear the influence of 00’s minimal, tech house, UK soundsystem music, ambient electronica, dub and more rubbing shoulders in a way that feels effortless and personal. Many of the tracks began life as sketches penned on the road - dotting between festivals, European club shows, and on tour in Japan - and so the record carries with it a sense of movement and forward momentum, and feels populated by voices, memories, people and places.

The Londoner’s characteristic approach to sound design and genre interplay are on full display here. Generative vocal hooks melt and warp into strange fluid forms, while synths stretch, detune, bend and dissolve into space before snapping back into shape again. Keyboards mirror human vocal formants, forming melodies that feel at once organic and alien. Basslines warp and distort, as if being re-moulded out of different synthetic properties.

Across the record there’s a commitment to expressing simple or familiar ideas in new and unexpected ways, whilst experimentations and innovations are presented clearly and intuitively. Cherished genre references are lovingly deployed as personal touchstones across the record - bleeping minimal- and tech-house; breakbeat dubstep and funky; Chicago house; dub techno - yet sounds and influences are combined and meshed in unexpected ways. Each track is tightly engineered and reduced down to its key elements, which are then manipulated, flipped, warped and pushed to breaking point. As is typical of Facta’s music, uncanny contrasts are worked throughout the music in unexpected ways. Warm, balmy moods come laced with seams of tension or uncertainty, whilst the record’s darker moments are handled with a light, playful touch.

With 15 years experience writing, DJing and A&Ring under his belt, ‘GULP’ is testament to Facta’s love of creation and curation - of seeking out, absorbing, experimenting, and channeling new sounds to create your own sonic world. A record borne of playful experimentation and happy accidents, ‘GULP’ shines bright with a simple, pure energy - a testament to writing quickly and intuitively and, above all else, enjoying the process.

The album’s artwork features photography by award-winning Boston-based photographer, Pelle Cass, whose complex time-lapse composites present hyperreal yet impossible tableaus of seemingly simple everyday scenes - an approach that parallels the record’s blurring of the familiar and the unfamiliar. Cass’s work has been widely exhibited, collected, and published, including solo shows at Gallery Kayafas, Boston, the Photographic Resource Center, Boston, and the Houston Center for Photography, and in collections such as the Fogg Art Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He was twice a Critical Mass Top 50 photographer and has received two fellowships from Yaddo and one from the Berkshire Taconic Foundation.

Erstmals veröffentlicht in 2016 - 'Barbara, Barbara, we face a shining future' (Reissue).

Underworld sind ein echtes Unikat, das auf den größten Festivals und Veranstaltungen der Welt als Headliner auftritt, in Underground-Techno-Clubs und Lagerhäusern spielt, Theaterproduktionen vertont oder Kunstgalerien, stillgelegte Schuhläden und japanische Kaufhäuser bespielt.

- Ltd. LP: (180g schweres schwarzes Vinyl. Auf halber Geschwindigkeit geschnitten und sorgfältig auf höchste Audioqualität getestet. Double-Gatefold mit dem klassischen Design der Originalpressung und neuem LP-Cover-Rücken-Artwork, das neben den anderen 2025er LP-Reissues der Band ein einheitliches Bild ergibt.)

Fennesz's first album in over five years is a moquettish mosaic of heart-tugging synth string movements and tinctured textures, described by its releasers P-Vine as bearing "terrifyingly detailed sound image". If inhalatory gasps in the face of the Byronic sublime were merged with the atmospheric-communicative chatter of radio and telecoms, this would be the sonic result. Described as Christian Fennesz' most introspective album to date, the record follows a newfound process for the artist, which came after the construction of a new studio and the sticking to a strict regimen. The likes of 'Personare' and 'Goniorizon' reflect this commitment, with new molten plastic ventures in sound yielded as a result; clock the tender, hand-pulled, doughy sound design on the latter track in particular.

Japans kultige Goldgrube DD. Records wurde innerhalb weniger Jahre eröffnet und wieder geschlossen. In dieser kurzen Zeit (1980-1985) erschienen 222 Tapes (und einige Vinyl-LPs) mit der seltsamsten, gewagtesten und süchtig machendsten subversivsten Musik aus ihren sozialen und kreativen Kreisen, die ausserhalb Japans nicht zu finden waren. Jedes Tape enthielt abstrakte, xerografische, oft von Musikern selbst erstellte Grafiken, während sich die inhaltliche Bandbreite von Avant-Punk, kubistischer Ambient-Musik, Soundcollagen, Pop-Concréte, Jazz-Prog bis zu früher Computermusik erstreckte. Zum Abschluss erschien vorliegende Compilation als Abschiedsgeschenk, die 5 fieberhafte Jahre neuer Musik abrundete und die kreative Identität des Avantgarde-Labels unterstrich. Darin befinden sich 13 endlose und merkwürdige Schätze, die jetzt nochmal das Licht der Welt erblicken.

Gradually, the latest album by Julien Mier, is a sonic journey that delves into the transitions of life, identity, and the blurred boundaries between art and personal growth. With a trilingual brain, Mier reflects on how language shifts have shaped his sense of self throughout his life and the music that he writes. Gradually is his exploration of shapelessness—an urge to break free from rigid musical genres and get closer to his most fundamental expression. The album is composed of nine tracks, each representing a distinct cultural and linguistic influence, all tied together by the theme of gradual evolution.

The first section, Ciel, Soleil, and Espace (French for Sky, Sun, and Space), draws on Mier’s French heritage, evoking the feeling of childhood memories bathed in a warm, nostalgic glow. This fluid, atmospheric section mirrors the soft, ever-changing air, symbolising a time of pure, untainted intention. It feels like a hazy, sepia-toned dream, as fleeting and elusive as the scent of an old friend. The gentle flow of the music mirrors the flow of wind, effortlessly shifting from one element to the next, a reflection of the innocence and clarity of youth.

The second section, Steen, Zee, and Zand (Dutch for Stone, Sea, and Sand), channels the influence of Mier’s childhood in a small Dutch dune village. These tracks are grounded in the hard-edged textures of electronic dance music, a genre that introduced him to a world of rhythm and movement. With a sonic palette of blues, greys, and more defined shapes, this section captures the solid, enduring forces of nature—earth, water, and stone. It’s a sonic landscape rooted in stability, a foundation from which everything can grow. The tracks build from the fluidity of the first section into more structured, rhythmic territories, mirroring the natural transition from childhood innocence to the discovery of deeper, more grounded musical influences.

The final section, Scrap (a collaborative track with the Japanese producer Daisuke Tanabe), Soil, and Spark, dives into the exploration of the world beyond familiar borders. Mier’s relocation from the Netherlands to Australia in 2016 is reflected in these pieces, which grapple with the contrast and complexity of different cultures and environments. These tracks are tinged with rust-red hues and a sense of eroded beauty, evoking a more fragmented, distorted view of the world. The music here is marked by tension, conflict, and the erosion of once-solid forms—symbolic of the digital and ecological storms that shape our modern existence. The closing piece, Spark, signals a new beginning, a hopeful initiation into the cycle of renewal.

The album artwork for Gradually is a conclusive visual representation of this journey, captured in the final frame of an analog film roll that began in the Netherlands and concluded with an image of the streets of Sydney, Australia—a perfect metaphor for the album’s narrative of gradual transition and discovery.

A retrospective of collaborations and remixes by composer/producer David Javelosa (Los Microwaves and Baby Buddha). Featured artists include L.A. punk producer Geza X, Chip Kinman of Rank and File and the Dils, Bebe Barron of the Forbidden Planet soundtrack, Japanese power pop band Orange Kandy, upcoming synth artists Pink Stiletto, and more. Each track is unique in it's back story as well as its sound. Offered as a limited run of 300 copies, this collectors item is sure to become a rarity.

The second album on Ilian Tape comes again out of Munich city. Skee Mask doesn't spend a day without making music and the dedication, attention to detail and architectural approach really make this album an absolute trip to listen to. It's the sound of a peaceful and energetic place. It's smoky and cosy. It's where Skee Mask spends most of his time. He lives for the music and we are really happy that this freak became a core member of the Ilian Tape family. This album is made for true lovers and hustlers. Turn it up loud!

Danza Tribale opens a new chapter in 2025 with MAITAKE - ??, the debut EP from Italian sound explorer Lo.Sai. Rooted in sonic tactility and movement, the project draws from both ancestral rhythms and experimental structures to create something intimate, immersive, and future-facing.

Named after the "dancing mushroom" from Japanese folklore, MAITAKE is inspired by the interconnected growth of mycelial networks and the emotional ecology of shared experience. Developed in collaboration with choreographer Maria Combi, the EP is a meditation on collective motion - where dance, rhythm, and ritual coalesce.

Across five tracks, Lo.Sai weaves together broken percussion, deep bass, fieldrecordings, and global rhythmic language. Fragments of flamenco, muezzin prayer, and Central African everyday rhythms float through the record - artefacts gathered by the artist's close-knit creative circle in Lunigiana. What emerges is not just a club record, but a living, breathing sonic organism.

PHYR003 - REACTIONS VA is the second vinyl release of Pyramidal Decode's imprint.
This Various Artist opens with a dancefloor-oriented track by the label boss himself called Fiammata.
On the A2 we find Overdose, a raw and warm 909 exercise by the Dutch legend Dimi Angelis.
The B side starts with 'Las Cenizas', a proper spanish groove by the Techno-expert Ribe.
Closing the release we have 'Therma', a great hypnotic track crafted by the Japanese pioneer Takaaki Itoh.

Under the radar release on the Muller offshoot Tanjobi! One of Ulrich Schnauss' most early works. We received some backstock from a bankrupt Japanese distributor who kept these records since the 90ies! For the open minded DJ, this can be played at various tempos and speeds. Handy and playful but classy tracks that suit multiple bags.

Simon Herody put together a live solo performance sequencing electronic devices on stage for him to jam over with acoustic instruments. He played a lot in hotels and lobbies. The music had to be present but not too intrusive. Subtle electronics to guide his saxophone and flute playing. The setup proved successful and inspired him to compose the works that would become 'Hard Lounge'.

'At the same time, I was working at a bar/record store in Neukölln called Motif. Everything changed when I discovered the album "Heisei No Oto - Japanese Left-field Pop From The CD Age." I remember this guy, Jamie, who would sometimes bring new releases to the shop. This album really changed things for me; I was constantly playing it and it inspired the creation of these works tremendously.

The composition process for "Hard Lounge" was pretty unclear. I never really made conscious choices; I wanted to escape the conflicts that come with picking the right chords. I aimed to create music that transports your imagination to a sort of retro 80s jazz lounge, where people feel comfortable and at ease just sitting and listening. I wanted to act like a music designer, giving people a chance to listen without demanding too much of their attention.'

Erstmals veröffentlicht in 2002 - 'Oblivion with Bells' (Reissue).

Underworld sind ein echtes Unikat, das auf den größten Festivals und Veranstaltungen der Welt als Headliner auftritt, in Underground-Techno-Clubs und Lagerhäusern spielt, Theaterproduktionen vertont oder Kunstgalerien, stillgelegte Schuhläden und japanische Kaufhäuser bespielt.

- Ltd. 2LP: (180g schweres schwarzes Doppelvinyl. Auf halber Geschwindigkeit geschnitten und sorgfältig auf höchste Audioqualität getestet. Double-Gatefold mit dem klassischen Design der Originalpressung und neuem LP-Cover-Rücken-Artwork, das neben den anderen 2025er LP-Reissues der Band ein einheitliches Bild ergibt.)

LP vinyl only release + 4 page liner notes (comes with hype sticker)

The percussive new age soundtracks of '80s and early '90s Japanese TV, anime and manga built alternative worlds and pushed boundaries in the process.

When Japanese composer Yas-Kaz left Tokyo for Bali in the mid 1970s he had little idea of how influential his trip would become. In studying the storied art of gamelan, the jazz and avant-garde percussionist opened a door to a world of sound and rhythm left behind by the West. The music he and his contemporaries made would become known as new age. It also happened to soundtrack the golden era of anime.

Awash with money and with the prerogative to entertain the burgeoning middle classes, anime in the 1980s experienced a creative and commercial boom. Not constricted by generic expectations, production houses such as the now renowned Studio Ghibli were able to experiment liberally with both form and content. And with it came the space for composers to be similarly adventurous.

TV, Anime & Manga New Age Soundtracks 1984-1993 charts this moment across eight tracks spanning classics of the genre and previously unknown rarities. The collection brings together music that found kinship in electronic and acoustic instrumentation, often combining spiritual or environmental themes with percussive, varied and highly refined syncopations of non-Western musical traditions.

Among them is ‘Kaneda’ by Geinoh Yamashirogumi, the shape-shifting group of self-styled musicians, anthropologists and computer scientists that masterminded the soundtrack to game-changing dystopian anime Akira - and with whom the sound, tuning and breakneck speed of Balinese gamelan has become indelibly entwined.

Reflecting the desires of the era to reach beyond Japan’s borders, many of the soundtracks featured were commissioned for narratives set in distant lands or alternative worlds. There’s violinist and composer Norihiro Tsuru’s ‘Farsighted Person’, written for The Heroic Legend of Arslān, set in ancient Persia; Yas-Kaz’s own ‘Hei (Theme of Shikioni)’, for period sci-fi manga & anime series Peacock King - Spirit Warrior; and two tracks - Tassili N’Ajjer and Fiesta Del Fuego - from Yoichiro Yoshikawa’s soundtrack to NHK’s proto-Planet Earth series The Miracle Planet.

Such was the variety and quality of the music produced, if there is a guiding principle to the tracks collected here it is a sense of escapism and adventure that came with the confluence of modern electronic instruments and a fascination with percussive traditions.

Elsewhere, pioneering children’s TV composer Chumei Watanabe’s ‘Fushigi Song’ (performed by a vocal group Korogi ‘72) offers a trippy and infectious groove with sonic similarities to Don Cherry’s ‘Brown Rice’; little-known jazz-funk library group Columbia Orchestra showcase the best of Tokyo’s session musicians on ‘Hearts Beats - Theme for Andrew Glasgow’; before lawyer-turned-composer Kan Ogasawara closes out the compilation with a dramatic flourish on ‘Gishin Anki’.

Following on from Time Capsule’s acclaimed deep-dive into the world of manga & anime synth-pop in 2022, this vinyl only collection is set to broaden and diversify an understanding of how soundtracks shaped the sound of new age music in Japan for a generation.

Curators: Kay Suzuki, Rintaro Sekizuka (Vinyl Delivery Service)
Artwork: Tu-yang

For the latest Klasse Wrecks release, the label combine with Japan's finest festival and events crew Rainbow Disco Club to collaboratively present WRECKSRDC. Overrocket were an electro-pop band from Tokyo that enjoyed a grip of great releases in the early 2000s while signed to Neon Discs and its parent label Aten. During a digging session Luca Lozano discovered the forgotten tracks 'Duralumin' and 'Shadow of the Sun' and immediately set out trying to contact the band's members to arrange a re-release and remix. A few months of patient trying, the connection was finally made and wheels were set in motion. Musically the EP conjures up perfectly the sonics of that time, a grey area between analog convention and the unexplored territories of new digital freedom. Shadow Of The Sun is electro-pop perfection, with breezy vocals and a bouncing beat that sounds like nothing else around...past, present or future. Duralumin is a more dancey collection of blips and beats, one that will make sense in the current return to early 2000s aesthetics. To round out the release and propel it into 2025, KW label bosses take a track each and interpret in their own way. Lozano revisits his electro roots with two remixes of Shadow of the Sun, distorted 808s and growling 101 basslines provide a simple backdrop for the perfect vocals. Mr. Ho takes Duralumin into a more driving and pacey direction, upping the energy and excitement with fast percussion and a huge side chained breakdown that recalls the unbridled rawness of the early 2000s, when everything was just a little bit more fun. Keeping within the confines of Japan and in an effort to bring everything full circle, the label enlisted Japanese artist Gonno to master the tracks for an updated modern sound. The tracks themselves being mastered a few miles from where they were originally penned over 20 years ago.

SAISEI founder Junki Inoue continues his vital archival work uncovering the riches of Japan’s distinctive electronic music scene and bringing them to new audiences around the world.

HERO U.D.A. aka Hiroyoshi Udaka is not someone you can easily google, but he’s sure lived a life worth retelling. His story starts back in the late 80s when, inspired by the acid house emanating from the UK — during what was fondly christened the Second Summer of Love — he picked up DJing and made the move from Japan to London. Throughout the 90s he DJed at underground techno institutions like London’s The End, CLUB UK and Silver Fish, as well as at the infamous Tribal Gathering raves, periodically returning to Japan to support techno greats like Colin Dale, Mad Mike, Suburban Knight and D. Wynn on tour.

The tracks on this EP, previously unreleased except for one, were all recorded after Udaka moved back from London to Tokyo, between 2002 and 2005. Yet they sound strikingly modern, drawing on a rich range of sounds that have come back round again two decades later: broken beat, acid jazz, dub and breaks. Deceptively simple grooves are given depth by layers of textures and micro samples, for example the surface noise on ‘On The Way’ that glues together an otherwise sparse skeleton of dubby pads and body popping drums. ‘Mature Missile’, ‘So Good’ and ‘Night Driver’ employ raw broken beat templates with acid accents, whimsical melodies and vocal interjections for a playful mood. ‘Sin City’ takes a darker turn, off-key piano hits and plunging bass adding to the wonkiness. The EP closes with a wiggly vignette, ‘222AM’, reminiscent of early 00s contemporaries like Mouse On Mars. Now these hidden treasures from Udaka’s archive gain a new life on SAISEI.

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SAISEI is a Japanese word which translates to ‘reproduction’ and ‘to play’ (as in playing records). Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional nature just as much as it is for being forward into the future and this label’s concept does justice to exactly that. Having started digging for records as early as 16 years old, Junki Inoue delved into productions from 1990s Japan to uncover these native gems. SAISEI’s core concept is to recapture and reintroduce unique pieces of Japanese electronic music onto vinyl, to an audience it never reached before as most of this music was only released in Japan.


b A2. So Good Acid Funk

** Cassette release

""A Synonym for Repetition" weaves together a tapestry of parallels, all intricately linked to Japan. The project initiates with a collaboration with a Tokyo-based musician, which ultimately fails to materialise during Jason Kolar’s recent visit to the country.

From an original approach that has to mutate in its starting phase, the record was conceived from the beginning to embody a sincere homage to Ryuichi Sakamoto, also a Tokyo native. Shaping ideas within the context of a city with a vibrant soundscape, through an exploration where tradition and modernity intersect in an ongoing quest for correspondences.

Yet, the barriers of language and cultural disparity emerge, casting a veil over the perceived connections and rendering them more projection than reality. This dynamic delineates the space observed from an external perspective, perpetually distant from true understanding, framing it in the fields of imagination, both Japan and Sakamoto. Nonetheless, Kolar tries to pay an honest ode to the artist and its scenic background, with all the implications and contradictions of this kind of process, even with the risk of falling into clichés, pastiches, and Eurocentric bias.

Connecting it to ‘vertical listening’ rather than to an obvious tribute exercise, he has morphed his sound to a synthetic and midi approach, aiming to set an ironically fictitious stage, one that resembles something, but it’s not really it."

Brooklyn’s Broad Channel drops its first-ever collaborative release, “Intercity Relations Guide – Volume 1”. This special 4-track EP bridges vibrant underground scenes from NYC, Chicago, Detroit, and Japan, featuring tracks from Mark Grusane, Deon Jamar, DJ Monchan & Aota, and Derek Russo & Thomas Xu. Born out of a moment of inspiration in the fall of 2024 after returning from Japan, label founder Derek Russo envisioned this release as a bridge – linking the warm relationships built at home & abroad that were nurtured over years of DJing, producing, and hosting underground parties like Xoloft in
Brooklyn. The EP flows across a chugging tempo range, between 113 and 120 BPM, It’s a reflection of the label’s core ethos and catalog to date: genre-blurring and always rooted in the dancefloor.

Japanese artist Tomoki Tsukamoto aka W-Moon, co-founder of Metro Juice Records.

Three unreleased tracks produced back in 1999, finally seeing the light of day.
Includes a remix of Slow Didi, originally featured on his 2012 album INNERVOICE.

Mastered by Isao Kumano.

"Carrycroch'" is the title of the first album by the Alsatian progressive rock band WLUD. This French band is composed of Philippe Wendling on keyboards, Bernard Labroche on guitars, Gigi Untersinger on bass and Gianni Drago on drums. WLUD is the acronym of the musicians' names, W for Wendling Philippe, L for Labroche Bernard, U for Untersinger Gigi and D for Drago Gianni. All compositions are by WLUD. The original vinyl record released in 1978 was as successful abroad (notably in the USA and Japan) as in France. This record is a reissue of the original production at the time but for this reissue, a bonus track has been added on the B-side which did not exist on the original 1978 version. Another vinyl album followed in 1979 under the name “second”, also reissued in its original form.

“Second” is the title of the second album of the Alsatian group WLUD This French band is composed of Philippe Wendling on keyboards, Bernard Labroche on guitars, Gigi Untersinger on bass and Gianni Drago on drums. WLUD is the acronym of the musicians' names, W for Wendling Philippe, L for Labroche Bernard, U for Untersinger Gigi and D for Drago Gianni. All compositions are by WLUD. The original vinyl record released in 1979 was as successful abroad (notably in the USA and Japan) as in France. This record is a reissue of the original production at the time. A first album called "Carrycroch'" was released in 1978.

Blissfull sounds.. moving freely between drum machines & synths to more organic instrumentation with rich arrangements never losing sight of a light ethereal feel. Check!

Sjunne Ferger was a swedish jazz and blues drummer, shifting more towards jazz after working with Don Cherry. From his ‘FAT’ Studio near the central Swedish town of Örebro, Sjunne Ferger crafted a small but radical legacy of genre bending music. With an open minded ‘anything goes’ attitude born from his jazz roots, compiled here are songs charting a transition from fusion beginnings via his debut 7″ with group ‘Exit’ through to a more blissful synthetic sound palette. Hypnotic ambient pieces written for short film swirl amongst the electronic & electrified- unreleased versions of ‘Destiny’ and ‘Candlelight’ hint at his sound to come, while the album culminates in the highlights ‘Night Rituale’ and ‘Childrens Mind’ -Intoxicating mixes of Sjunne’s influences & inspiration, they unknowingly hint at Mkwaju Ensemble and other key Japanese contemporaries, and bear witness to the Swede’s deep Eastern philosophical outlook. Retaining his own unique sound throughout, ‘Childrens Mind’ is a primer for Sjunne Ferger’s ‘Mindgames’ LP reissued on Strangelove later in 2021.

Letterpress printed Japanese tip-on disco bags with riso insert.
Printed at The Typography Workshop by Theo Hersey.
200 only.

Liner Notes by Martyn Pepperell

A collection of ten hypnotic guitar renditions that dive deeply into the traditional compositional musicality that underpins Harakami’s hallucinatory beatscapes before reconsidering them under a fresh, innovative and engaging new light. River: The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami signals a new level of awareness and understanding of both Rei Harakami’s significance and Ayane Shino’s undeniable talent.

VITAL SALES POINTS:

In 1996 Tokyo-based label Sublime Records received a cassette demo from Rei Harakami, a 26-year-old Japanese experimental filmmaker, and musician. Within one year Harakami’s debut LP ‘Unrest’ was released. As the 21st century dawned, Harakami was becoming a critically acclaimed figure, and there was a feeling in Japan that Harakami would be an inevitable successor to such luminaries as Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sadly Harakami passed away at age 40 in 2011, leaving behind a musical legacy that seemed to deserve more recognition. A fitting tribute now comes from the incredibly gifted classical guitarist Ayane Shino. Continuing her album series ‘The Timbre of Guitar’ (the inaugural release of which was ‘Sakura’ - a cover album of Susumu Yokota's seminal album, released through the Swiss label, Mental Groove Records in 2021), she now presents ‘River ???? : The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami’. Ayane has reworked some of Harakami’s standout tracks into an album of tranquil yet complex compositions helping to build a new level of awareness and understanding of Rei Harakami’s significance. A collection of ten hypnotic guitar renditions that dive deeply into the traditional compositional musicality that underpins Harakami’s hallucinatory beatscapes before reconsidering them under a fresh, innovative and engaging new light.

In the years that followed Harakami’s untimely passing, Sublime Records continued to sign and support new artists emerging from Japan’s rich and fertile electronic music scene. This eventually led to a meeting with gifted classical guitarist Ayane Shino in 2020. Although a new name within electronica, Shino’s classical resume is impeccable. She has performed with a range of prestigious orchestras in concert halls and at music festivals across Japan, Europe, and South America while playing classical guitar for numerous animations, movies and television commercials and holding various educational roles. These days, she also hosts the Tokyo Harmonics radio show, which is syndicated through Hyogo prefecture’s Ashiya Radio and TJS Radio in Los Angeles.

During her time completing a masters at Tokyo’s University of the Arts, Shino became fascinated by Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, Oneohtrix Point Never, Steve Reich, and, closer to home, Harakami and Susumu Yokota. ”I found myself in an environment where I was surrounded by fellow students who produced computer music, live electronics, and installations,” she explains. Following her meeting with Sublime, Hideoki Amano, the producer and owner of Musicmine, the parent company of the label, asked Shino if she would be open to transcribing and recording an album of covers of the late, great composer, producer and DJ Susumu Yokota’s music in incorporate into then-upcoming events commemorating the 5th anniversary of his death and reissues of his past works. “Yokota made music with the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer and samplers, not in a way like a conventional instrumentalist, so I was aware it might be more of a challenge for her,” Amano explains. Fittingly, Shino was up for his suggestion, leading to ‘Sakura: The Timbre Of Guitars #1 Susumu Yokota’. Song by song, Sakura highlighted Shino’s free-flowing playing and prowess at translating electronic music into classical guitar shapes.
After considering Harakami’s background as an instrumentalist, Amano felt revisiting his catalogue should be the next step for Shino. Well-versed in how often classical versions of electronic music tend to fall flat, he asked her to examine Harakami’s songs closely, select the musical phrases suitable for guitar and create arrangements that would sound interesting to music listeners with a deep engagement with ambient, techno and electronica. In Harakami’s discography, Shino discovered “a sense of simplicity, warmth, moisture and a floating sensation.” “I was gripped by his songs, which had an array of sounds that gave me a sense of mystery but also coexisted with a sense of familiarity,” she explained. Moving beyond his official releases, Shino began digging through YouTube to find live recordings, radio appearances and obscure outtakes. Within her mind’s eye, imagining playing his songs on guitar was effortless. On her approach to the album, Ayane explains: “For this album, I succeeded in spinning some exquisite, silk thread like delicate tones, interwoven with human warmth, gentleness and simplicity. And I was also able to rework Rei Harakami's distinctive sound with a floating feel to it and transform it into a very classical guitar sound. I hope many people will be able to receive this group of sounds that I created in this album that I played with all my heart.” A record of limitless innate beauty, ‘River ???? : The Timbre of Guitar #2 Rei Harakami’ is a delicate and thoughtful body of work. A true masterclass in deconstruction and subsequent rebuilding, and an eternal lesson in how the art that we leave behind can outlive us all.

Foxtail Records delivers its first vinyl release with a true soundtrack for the skies of heaven.
Celestial Dance EP by Tommy Vicari JNR and Loopdeville. A 4-track journey through celestial soundscapes, this release is a cure for the heart, pulling you into a dreamlike, cosmic realm.
Join us on this journey.
The stunning artwork comes from legendary Japanese painter Suyama Masaru, capturing the essence of freedom and escape-how our souls truly feel.

First Terrace are thrilled to present the new album Lucid Dreams from the prolific Japanese artist Chihei Hatakeyama on January 23rd 2024.



Renowned ambient composer Chihei Hatakeyama is set to release his latest album, Lucid Dreams, an evocative sonic exploration that invites listeners to drift between the waking world and the dreamscape, to experience “dreams you are aware that you are dreaming”.



Known for his deep atmospheric textures and minimalist approach to sound, Hatakeyama’s new project expands on his signature style and with the help of collaborators Cucina Povera and LA based multi-instrumentalist Nailah Hunter charts new emotional territories.



Chihei expands on the concept of the album, sharing that “For the past two years or so, I have suffered from insomnia at times such as when the seasons change, and at those times all I can think about is wanting to sleep. However, when I'm in that state and I go through repeated light sleep, I can experience a state of "Lucid dreams" where I can't tell whether I'm dreaming or not, and am aware that I am dreaming. One aspect of this album is that it was inspired by that state of light sleep.”



“With that in mind, the theme of this album is the sense of time in a dream, situations that suddenly change unlike the flow of time in real life, surprises and nostalgia - I wanted to create an album that depicts those dream states.”



With a career spanning over two decades, Chihei Hatakeyama has gained an international following for his ability to consistently release music that enchants and rewards listeners. In Lucid Dreams, Hatakeyama continues to explore themes of nature, lucidity and calm, offering listeners an auditory escape from the hustle and noise of everyday life.



Tracks like “End of Summer” guide the listener blissfully through a five minute daydream, gently encouraged along by distant guitar strings on a bed of reverb whilst “Wind From The Mountains” (which features the beautiful work of Nailah Hunter) is the perfect example of what Chihei does so well with subtle movements that encourage your imagination & allow you to be lost in your own dream.

Presenting the second vinyl release of Chez Doc, featuring Call Intro, Oter Order, Joshko and its owner Vikk. Black Shiokara refers to a traditional Japanese elaboration of the squid, which is presented only in his own black ink.

The record is designed not only for peak time moments, but it varies from House in its pure essence, to Breakbeat, to dreamy Deep-House and Rastafari Vocals. The EP embodies the spirit of unpolished, pure dance music, making it a must-have soundtrack for anyone seeking a record for different moments.

LIMITED EDITION - Riso Print Cover (each individual cover may vary)
4 chop-outs from the Japan (tour) Tape. Edited and turned into full tracks.

Refreshing, Supreme Soul from Rising Japanese Artists

A stunning collaboration between Japan's up-and-coming producer 01sail, from the creative collective/label w.a.u, and Tokyo-based singer-songwriter/guitarist toya—now available on a 7-inch release!

Blending 01sail's signature deep grooves and soulful melodies with toya's expressive, husky vocals, this track delivers a rich, nostalgic soul experience. Originally released digitally in 2023, it marks 01sail's third single and the first solo project from toya, frontman of iihatov.

With doo-wop-inspired harmonies, lush guitar work, and a timeless warmth, this song effortlessly channels the raw, earthy charm and sweet elegance of classic soul. A must-have for any collector!

At the start of the 60s, a new wave of gospel-influenced jazz started to emerge, with hits such as Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' "Moanin'" and Cannonball Adderley's "Work Song" epitomizing this evolution in the genre. The terms "soul jazz" and "funky jazz" were coined as a way to describe this new sound that was making an impact in the US and also on the other sides of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In 1964, Ray Charles made his first visit to Japan. Then, in 1968, Martha & The Vandellas and Stevie Wonder set foot in the country, followed by Sam & Dave in 1969, Ike & Tina Turner in 1970, and B.B. King in 1971. The TV show "Soul Train" also began airing in Japan in the early 1970s. A watershed moment happened in 1973 when Sammy Davis Jr. was cast in a TV commercial for Suntory whisky — and the influence of the US Black entertainment world had really landed, with soul, jazz, and funk artists becoming household names.

Nippon Columbia played a pivotal role during this turning point. The company had contracts with Buddah Records and Blue Thumb Records, releasing notable works by artists such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, Curtis Mayfield, The Crusaders, and The Pointer Sisters. At the same time, the label was also releasing several Japanese soul, jazz, and funk projects under the lead of music director Jiro Inagaki. Inagaki, a saxophonist who began his professional career in the early 1950s, honed his skills at U.S. military camps, where he shared his love of music with the Black servicemen. In the 1960s, he played with drummer Hideo Shiraki's band, which was widely considered to be Japan's representative group of the funky jazz movement. Later, Inagaki went on to pursue more cutting-edge sounds with his Soul Media project, including being a pioneering figure in the "jazz rock" genre. By working closely with Inagaki and his various musical projects, Nippon Columbia really placed the company at the center of an exciting and important period in Japanese music.

In 1965, Nippon Columbia opened a recording studio in Tokyo's Akasaka neighborhood. Akasaka was also home to the first ever discotheque in Japan, the legendary MUGEN, which ran from 1968 to 1987 and where many acts performed, including Con Funk Shun, the Bar-Kays, Ike & Tina Turner, B.B. King, Sam & Dave, Three Degrees, and Edwin Starr, as well as many local Japanese singers and musicians. This melting pot of creativity in the area led to the recording of many singles and albums by Japanese artists that were infused with the sounds of soul and funk. Most of these recordings were not available outside of Japan and remain rare and unknown musical gems. The selection you are holding in your hands is an explosive collection of 10 essential tracks released by the legendary Nippon Columbia label between 1969 and 1977, capturing the raw, unapparelled energy that was flowing through the air of the Akasaka streets at this electrifying time. Enjoy!

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180GWALP07 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.

We are excited to announce the first reissue of Tony Scott's iconic “Manteca” album originally released in 1973. This 180-gram vinyl audiophile edition captures the essence of a true master of contaminated jazz, allowing listeners to experience Tony Scott's vibrant artistry like never before.
Originally described in the album’s liner notes by Sam Charters, "Manteca" embodies the spirit of the jazz musician’s journey—a testament to durability, warmth, and exuberance. Charters notes, “You have to be durable these days to be a jazz man... a musician like Tony Scott has the kind of personality that it takes to be a jazz man today” — a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the artist's incredible career.

From the bustling club scene of New York in the 1950s to captivating audiences in Japan, Scott's journey brought him to Sweden in the summer of 1973, where he collaborated with exceptional local musicians. The result was a collection of vibrant, uptempo jazz tracks combined with reflective ballads, showcasing the remarkable versatility and inventiveness of Scott's clarinet, baritone, and even his distinctive scat vocals.

The album opens with the titular track "Manteca," setting an exhilarating tone that endures until the final, almost sinister note of "One For Topsy." Complemented by an all-star lineup, including bassist Sture Nordin, drummer Ed Thigpen and legendary percussionist Sabu Martinez, this session embodies the international spirit of jazz—a genre that transcends boundaries and unites souls.

This audiophile edition has been meticulously remastered to provide an unparalleled listening experience, preserving the authenticity of the original while ensuring superior sound quality. With only a limited amount produced, this vinyl reissue is a must-have for collectors and jazz aficionados alike.
Join us in celebrating the reemergence of Tony Scott's "Manteca," a true landmark in jazz history, and immerse yourself in the dynamic sounds that have inspired generations.

First official vinyl reissue

180g virgin vinyl pressing from Pallas / Germany

350g. cover

Original artwork and liner notes

Recorded in Stockholm in 1973